Money Plant Growing Mistakes – Your Ultimate Guide To Lush, Thriving
Is your Money Plant looking a little less… prosperous lately? You know the signs: sad, yellowing leaves, long, stringy vines with hardly any foliage, or just a general lack of enthusiasm for growing. It’s a common story, and if you’re nodding along, you’re in the right place.
The Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Pothos, is famous for being one of the easiest houseplants to grow. But even the toughest plants can struggle if a few key needs aren’t met. The good news is that these issues are almost always fixable.
I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly what’s holding your plant back. We’ll walk through the top 10 most common money plant growing mistakes and give you simple, actionable steps to turn your plant into the lush, vibrant cascade of green you’ve always wanted.
Let’s dive in and transform your plant care routine from guesswork to green-thumb confidence!
The #1 Culprit: Common Money Plant Growing Mistakes with Watering
If I had a dollar for every time a watering issue was the root of a plant problem, I’d have a very full greenhouse! Getting the watering right is the single most important part of your money plant growing mistakes care guide. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s easier than you think once you know what to look for.
Mistake 1: Overwatering and the Dreaded Root Rot
More houseplants are killed by kindness (aka overwatering) than by neglect. When soil stays soggy, roots can’t breathe. They begin to decay, leading to a condition called root rot, which can quickly kill a plant.
Signs of Overwatering:
- Yellowing leaves, especially the lower ones.
- Wilting, even though the soil is wet.
- Mushy, brown, or black roots (if you check).
- A distinct, musty smell coming from the soil.
The Fix: Stop watering immediately! Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out completely before you even think about watering again. Always use a pot with drainage holes to let excess water escape. If root rot is severe, you may need to repot the plant into fresh, dry soil, trimming away any mushy roots first.
Mistake 2: Underwatering and Crispy Leaves
While less common, underwatering can also stress your Money Plant. Forgetting about it for too long will leave it thirsty, and the signs are quite clear.
Signs of Underwatering:
- Drooping or wilting leaves that feel soft.
- Crispy, brown leaf edges.
- Slow or stalled growth.
- Soil pulling away from the sides of the pot.
The Fix: Give your plant a thorough drink. The best method is to water it until you see water flowing freely from the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball is saturated. Then, let it dry out properly before the next watering session. Consistency is key!
Let There Be Light… But Not Too Much! Lighting Blunders
Money Plants are incredibly adaptable to different light levels, but they have a “sweet spot.” Finding it is crucial for vibrant foliage and healthy growth. Avoiding these common problems with money plant growing mistakes in lighting is simple.
Mistake 3: Too Much Direct Sunlight
Imagine sitting in the scorching sun all day—you’d get a sunburn, right? Your Money Plant feels the same way. Direct, intense sunlight will scorch its delicate leaves, leaving them damaged and faded.
Signs of Too Much Light:
- Pale, washed-out, or yellowish leaves.
- Brown, crispy patches or “scorch marks” on the foliage.
The Fix: Move your plant to a location where it receives bright, indirect light. An east-facing window that gets gentle morning sun is perfect. You can also place it a few feet back from a south or west-facing window or filter the light with a sheer curtain.
Mistake 4: Not Enough Light
On the flip side, while Money Plants can tolerate low light, they won’t thrive in it. A dark corner will result in a sad, stretched-out plant that looks more like a string than a lush vine.
Signs of Too Little Light:
- Leggy growth: long stems with large gaps between the leaves.
- Smaller-than-usual new leaves.
- Loss of variegation (the beautiful gold or white patterns on the leaves will fade to solid green).
The Fix: Relocate your plant to a brighter spot. Even moving it closer to a window can make a huge difference. Remember to rotate your plant every few weeks so all sides get an equal amount of light for even growth.
It All Starts with the Soil: Potting and Foundation Sins
The pot and soil are your plant’s home. Providing the right foundation is one of the most important money plant growing mistakes best practices you can follow. This is also where you can make sustainable and eco-friendly choices.
Mistake 5: Using the Wrong Potting Mix
Grabbing soil from your garden is a huge no-no for indoor plants. Garden soil is far too dense. It compacts easily, suffocates roots, and holds way too much water, creating a perfect storm for root rot.
The Fix: Always use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix designed for houseplants. To create the ultimate mix, I recommend blending standard potting soil with perlite or orchid bark (about a 3:1 ratio). This creates air pockets, allowing roots to breathe and water to drain effectively—a core tenet of sustainable money plant growing mistakes avoidance.
Mistake 6: The Wrong Pot Size (Too Big or Too Small)
Pot size matters more than you think! A pot that’s too large holds excess soil and moisture that the roots can’t use, leading straight back to overwatering issues. A pot that’s too small will constrict the roots, stunting your plant’s growth.
The Fix: When repotting, choose a container that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. And I can’t say this enough: make sure it has drainage holes! No drainage is a guaranteed recipe for disaster.
To Feed or Not to Feed: Fertilizing Faux Pas
Think of fertilizer as a vitamin supplement for your plant. Money Plants aren’t heavy feeders, but they appreciate a little boost now and then, especially during their growing season. Here’s how to money plant growing mistakes related to feeding can be avoided.
Mistake 7: Over-Fertilizing Your Plant
Too much of a good thing can be harmful. Excess fertilizer builds up salts in the soil, which can “burn” the plant’s roots and damage its leaves.
Signs of Over-Fertilizing:
- Brown, crispy leaf tips and edges.
- A white, crusty layer on the surface of the soil.
- Stunted or stopped growth.
The Fix: Less is more! Feed your Money Plant with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength, and only do it once a month during the spring and summer. If you suspect you’ve overdone it, flush the soil by watering it thoroughly several times, letting it drain completely each time.
Mistake 8: Never Fertilizing at All
While over-fertilizing is a bigger risk, a plant that never gets any nutrients will eventually run out of steam. The soil’s nutrients get depleted over time, leading to lackluster growth.
The Fix: If your plant looks pale and hasn’t grown in ages, it might be hungry. Start a gentle feeding schedule as mentioned above. For an eco-friendly money plant growing mistakes solution, you can use diluted compost tea or a gentle organic fertilizer.
Pruning and Support: Shaping Your Plant for Success
The final step in our money plant growing mistakes guide is about shaping and supporting your plant. Don’t be afraid to give your plant a haircut—it will thank you for it with bushier, more attractive growth!
Mistake 9: Fearing the Pruning Shears
Many gardeners are hesitant to prune, but for a vining plant like the Money Plant, it’s essential. If left unpruned, it will grow long, single vines with sparse leaves, looking leggy and bare at the base.
The Fix: Pruning encourages branching. Simply snip back some of the longer vines, making your cut just after a leaf node (the little bump where a leaf meets the stem). This will signal the plant to send out new shoots from that point, creating a much fuller plant. Plus, you can propagate the cuttings to make new plants!
Mistake 10: Ignoring Its Climbing Nature
In the wild, Money Plants are climbers. They use their aerial roots to attach to trees and climb toward the light. Giving them something to climb indoors mimics their natural habitat and unlocks their full potential.
The Fix: Provide a moss pole, trellis, or other support structure. As the plant climbs, you’ll notice its leaves will often grow much larger and more impressive. Gently attach the vines to the support using plant ties or clips to get them started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant Growing Mistakes
Why are my money plant leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are the most common cry for help. The primary cause is almost always overwatering. Check if the soil is soggy. Other causes include underwatering (the leaves will also be wilted), too much direct sun, or a nutrient deficiency. Assess your watering schedule first!
How can I make my money plant fuller and bushier?
The secret to a full, bushy Money Plant is a combination of two things: adequate light and regular pruning. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light and don’t be afraid to trim back those long, leggy vines. Every cut you make can encourage two new shoots to grow, doubling the fullness over time.
Is it better to grow a money plant in water or soil?
You can do both! Growing in water is fun for propagation and looks beautiful, but it’s not ideal for long-term health. Water lacks the essential nutrients a plant needs to thrive. For a large, lush, and long-living plant, soil is always the best option as it provides a stable home and a consistent source of nutrients.
What are those little brown bumps on the stems?
Those are aerial roots! They are completely normal and are what the plant uses in nature to latch onto surfaces and climb. They are not a sign of a problem at all—in fact, they indicate a healthy, maturing plant.
Your Path to a Perfect Pothos
There you have it—a complete breakdown of the most common money plant growing mistakes and, more importantly, how to fix them. Remember, the key is to observe your plant and respond to its needs. Don’t be discouraged if you’ve made a few of these errors; every gardener has!
The beauty of the Money Plant is its resilience. It’s a forgiving friend that will bounce back quickly once you provide the right care. By focusing on proper watering, giving it the right amount of light, and using a good soil mix, you are already 90% of the way there.
Now you have the knowledge and the money plant growing mistakes tips to succeed. Go take a look at your plant with fresh eyes, make a few adjustments, and watch it transform. Happy gardening!
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